Form G-325R For Children FAQ

🛑 Does My Child on an H-4 Visa Need to Register Under the New G-325R Requirement?

Since the release of Executive Order 14159 in January 2025, many immigrant families have reached out with one burning question:

“Does my child need to register under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) — especially if they recently turned 14?”

If your child is on an H-4 visa and recently had a birthday, this article is for you. We’ll walk through the new DHS guidance, clarify who needs to register, and explain why many H-4 children do not need to file Form G-325R.

📜 Background: What Is the G-325R and INA §262?

In January 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14159, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion”, which instructed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strictly enforce a long-dormant law: INA §262.

That law requires certain non-citizens (aliens) to register with the U.S. government and, if applicable, provide fingerprints. To streamline compliance, USCIS created a new online form called G-325R: Biographic Information (Registration).

👶 What If My Child Is on an H-4 Visa?

This is where things get confusing — but also reassuring.

According to the official DHS guidance released in 2025, children (or any non-citizen) who were:

  • Admitted to the U.S. on a valid visa, and

  • Issued a Form I-94 (arrival/departure record),

👉 are already considered registered under 8 CFR §264.1(b).

📌 So if your child:

  • Has an H-4 visa,

  • Last entered the U.S. legally,

  • Received an I-94 upon entry (either paper or electronic),

➡️ They do not need to register again — even if they recently turned 14.

🎂 What Happens When My Child Turns 14?

Section 262 of the INA says that individuals who turn 14 must register within 30 days, unless they were already registered.

So, here’s the key point:

🔍 If your child entered the U.S. on an H-4 visa and was issued an I-94 — which is standard protocol — they have already registered, and turning 14 does not trigger a new registration requirement.

There is no requirement to submit G-325R and no biometrics or fingerprinting appointment needed just because they had a birthday.

✅ Example Case: Do They Need to Register?

Let’s say your son has been on an H-4 visa since 2011. He:

  • Left the U.S. from 2020–2022,

  • Re-entered in 2023 with a valid H-4 visa,

  • Was issued a new I-94 upon arrival,

  • Turned 14 in 2024,

  • Has since extended his H-4 to 2028.

🟢 In this case, he does not need to register again or submit Form G-325R.

He’s already considered registered due to the I-94 he received at entry.

🚨 Who Does Need to Register?

You or your child may need to register only if:

  • You entered the U.S. without inspection (EWI or unauthorized entry), or

  • You entered without receiving an I-94, such as some Canadian visitors at land borders, or

  • You’ve never been fingerprinted, have no pending immigration case, and have been in the U.S. for 30+ days, or

  • Your child turned 14 while in the U.S. but had not previously registered or been issued an I-94

In those cases, registration may be required.

💡 Key Takeaways

  • ✅ Children on H-4 visas who entered the U.S. lawfully and were issued an I-94 are already considered registered.

  • ✅ Turning 14 does not require new registration if they were already registered upon lawful admission.

  • ❌ Do not submit G-325R unless USCIS confirms you are unregistered.

  • 🛑 Never submit G-325R if you are undocumented without legal guidance.

👨‍⚖️ Need Help Confirming Whether You or Your Child Must Register?

We’ve helped dozens of families navigate this new registration requirement under INA §262. If you’re unsure whether your child’s entry and visa history satisfies the requirement, let us review your documents and give you peace of mind.

📞 Call the American Visa Law Group today for a consultation.